Pain Is Weakness for Penelope

[Reuben Slade]

Pain Is Weakness

@misspenf

[Deleted]

…after falling down the stairs

Penelope was walking along the corridor when they heard a voice downstairs. Is it Colin? Eloise? She wanted to find out. 

On her way down, she slipped on the top step and started the roll down a set of stairs. Unable to comprehend what just happened, she started to cry. Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @misspenf

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade was at the Featherington residence for he had business to attend to with Lord Featherington. He supposed this was one of the advantages of the social season. It allowed Rueben easy access to those with whom he'd otherwise would have had to send his people after. And no one at this time would be suspicious of two gentlemen visiting one another. The social pretense. But what Slade did not like, was that Featherington was making him wait.

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It left Rueben standing in the hallway, concealing any indication of displeasure, guarding his features and getting the feeling that Archibald was doing this intentionally. A subtle power play that Slade was now in his home. And while Slade seldom left without his bodyguards and closest friends at his side, an afternoon visit would not warrant it. As these thoughts went through Slade's mind, the sound of something -- or someone -- distracted him as he turned his head to see a woman tumble down the stairs. Slade watched as she stopped and then . . . came the expected and normal reaction of a woman who had just taken quite a fall. Tears.

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Slade did not need to look around to know that there was not anywhere else near to aid her. And, social etiquette that he do so. It was more the expectation than anything else that prompted him to make his way over to her, using his cane for support, until he was towering above her. Slade did not like physical contact, which was also why he had not abandoned his gloves as he did his hat upon entry of the estate. Looking down at her, watching her for but a moment, he extended his gloved hand to her so that he could aid her in standing. If of course, the fall had not caused injury to her foot or leg. "Can you stand?" He asked, his voice as composed as his expression and demenour was stoic.

[Deleted]

Penelope couldn’t stop crying as she rubbed her ankle from that tumble. How embarrassing to do this in front of a stranger. 

She flexed her ankle to make sure it’s not broken, but all she can feel is pain. 

She saw an extended gloved hand to her as she looked up to grab him. He refused to give any eye contact to her. Maybe it’s better that way, she thought. It’s embarrassing enough that it happened, but it’s worse that she’s in pain. He asked if she can stand, as she tries to make an attempt. 

“I am trying to put weight on my ankle but it hurts.” She sobs as she ends up sitting on the step. “Thank you, though.” Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @misspenf

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Slade continued to watch her as she cried from . . . what he presumed was pain. Or the shock of taking a tumble. If it were anyone else, perhaps they could give her further comfort and ease; words of reassurance and ones that would help dry her tears. But of course, it had to be Rueben and apparently, Rueben only to witness such an accident. He lowered his hand to his side when she seated herself on the step, thanking him. He heard no approaching footsteps so it did not seem that there was any servant nor other familial member nearby. And Slade was already suspecting that Archibald would use this accident as an excuse to postpone their meeting. Which meant, all of this would be for nothing.

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The nobleman reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, passing it to the young woman. "Then it would be best to remain still until proper assistance arrives." He knew he could not exactly go wandering around her home looking for household staff or a family member. And, surely there was no need to. He had no plans on leaving the residence until he spoke to her father so . . . it would seem that he would remain in her company until then. "It is fortunate, that your injury is not more serious." After all, she could have broken her neck falling down the stairs.

[Deleted]

Penelope continued to try to flex her ankle, hoping to shake it off. The pain continued to linger but it could be enough to try to stand and walk. 

“Thank you.” Penelope accepts the handkerchief. “I thought it was my friend at the door. I haven’t seen my best friend’s brother for ages and thought he was paying a visit. As for my ankle, I don’t think it’s too serious. It just hurt. I don’t mean to pry but were you expecting to see my father? He stepped out of the house a short while ago.” Reuben Slade

[Reuben Slade]

Tag: @misspenf

never make

DECISIONS OUT OF FEAR.
ONLY OUT OF SPITE.

Her best, friend's brother. Slade was not sure what sort of mess he had gotten caught up in but it was not one that he had words to offer reassurance of to her. Nor offer sympathy or condolence. He was here for business, and her accident down the stairs just happened to coincide with where he was waiting. It was clear that her excitement had been what prompted the fall. Unless she was clumsy on a regular basis which, Rueben would not inquire about. It did not effect him either way. "Perhaps it best to walk with care the next time you wish to receive a guest." Advice? Perhaps. But not made with the intention to help. It was merely said because . . . well, perhaps just to acknowledge her own words as he waited.

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It was her lastly spoken ones however that did concern him and that did capture his interest. He looked at the young woman when she said that her father stepped out. "I was informed by your staff that he here." And if they were lying, and Rueben was meant to be waiting here needlessly . . . then when he did find Featherington, it would be even less pleasant than it originally would have been. Besides disliking his time getting wasted, he also disliked being lied to. "Do you know where he set out to?" Rueben inquired. Perhaps his daughter had less reason to lie than the household staff so if she was telling the truth, then Slade wished to know where he would be able to find Archibald.